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236 Structure and the Book ofZechariah
Summary of Results
As we have worked through the individual sections of Zechariah, we
have observed several recurring features.
1. There is clear evidence of careful structuring in all sections of
chs. 1-8. It may be set out briefly as follows:
1.1-6 Redactional but constructed so as to form a coherent and wellstructured
whole, with strong links with the end of ch. 1.
1.7-17 Signs of some roughness, but well-integrated. Difficult to
detach more than vv. 16-17. These last verses may well be
redactional, but again show signs of literary ability and a concern
to produce a coherent whole (vv. 1-17).
2.1-4 Very tightly and logically structured, although too complicated
to represent adequately in one diagram. Effective use is made of
repeated words—even technical words.
2.5-17 Verses 5-9 are not so tightly ordered, though there is a probably
intended chiasmus in vv. 8b-9. Verses 10-17 contain many
distinctive words. It is necessary to give careful attention to the
logical movement of the passage in order to discern the structure
intended by the editor (or author acting as editor). The first
section has been supplemented by the second to produce a
regularly structured whole.
3.1-10 The chapter is divided by reference to 'Joshua the high priest';
vv. 1-7 show signs of careful, concentrated structuring, with
unusual ordering of actions, chiasmus, and continuity achieved
by the verb 'standing'; vv. 8-10 are bounded by an inclusio.
4.1-14 Insertion of vv. 6a-10a seems deliberate; evidence of concern
for structure overall and in the outer sections; less strong but
still present in the central insertion. Even at this stage it is
impossible to miss the connection between the two visions.
They, and 6.9-15, must be examined together.
5.1-4 Different type of construction: repetition plus new element.
Some similarity to the second vision in this.
5.5-11 Falls naturally into three clear and logical sections, the middle
one chiastic; the last one less clear.
6.1-8 Overall movement clear; repetition of important words,
apparently controlled by the idea of 'going forth', forming two
chiasmuses.
6.9-15 Clearly chiastic; possibly constructed in two stages to form an
overlapping chiasmus.
7-8 Very strong, large chiasmus.